This position is located in the Health Information Management (HIM) section at the Durham VA Health Care System. The Lead MRT (ROI) reviews and processes requests for patient protected health information (PHI). The Lead MRT (ROI) also provides direct customer service to the Veteran (or third party), by providing copies of the Veteran's PHI, when a signed, written request is received, or upon the Veteran's valid authorization to a third party.
Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education or Experience, . One year of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology and general understanding of health records. Six months of the required one year of creditable experience must have provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed to perform MRT (ROI) work. OR An associate's degree from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education with a major field of study in health information technology/health information management, or a related degree with a minimum of 12 semester hours in health information technology/health information management (e.g., courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, legal aspects of health care, and introduction to health records). OR Equivalent combinations of creditable experience and education are qualifying towards meeting basic experience requirements. The following experience and educational/training substitutions are appropriate for combining education and creditable experience: (a) Six months of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology, privacy and release of information, the health record, and one year above high school with a minimum of six semester hours of health information technology/health information management courses. (b) Six months of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology, privacy and release of information, the health record, and successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or hospital training obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces or the U.S. Maritime Service under close medical and professional supervision. The training program may be substituted on a month- 3 for-month basis for up to six months of experience provided the training program included courses in anatomy and physiology, and health record techniques and procedures May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: Lead Medical Records Technician (ROI), GS-08 Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade GS-07. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Ability to lead individuals, set priorities, and schedule work assignments. (b) Ability to monitor and report on the status and progress of work, and make adjustments to accomplish the workload in accordance with established procedures. (c) Skill in communicating with staff to ensure compliance with established policies, procedures, and regulations. (d) Ability to provide or coordinate staff development and training. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-08 Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.
Major Duties: Processes all incoming requests to the facility for Release of Information (ROI) along with information required by the VA Regional Office through the Automated Medical Information Exchange (AMIE). Processes medico-legal releases of information to attorneys and courts pertaining to Tort Feasor (Third Party Liability), Workman's Compensation, Labor and Industries and subpoenas. Screens and follows through on all incoming telephone calls from attorneys, insurance representatives, regarding legal cases and requests under the Privacy Act, referring only problem cases to the Supervisor. Reviews and analyzes written and telephone requests to ascertain type of case to be developed. Develops and prepares cases for release to Regional Counsel and other appropriate parties. Contacts attorneys when necessary to obtain additional information to develop the case. Maintains files for all Privacy Act requests and subpoena cases for all cases being developed, processed or complete. Compiles tort cases for the Regional Office. Contacts all VAs to have them make a CD of all the photocopied/printed/written to electronic media information, including digital x-rays. Searches records or files to compose responses, including electronic searches to retrieve and summarize hard-to-locate data. Locates materials that would verify information given. Reviews paper and electronic health records (i.e., scanned notes, reports, special tests, etc.) to identify material to be photocopied/printed/written to electronic media and released. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 8:00am-4:30pm. Telework: Ad-hoc Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:00000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized